Captain Nathan Hale was born in Coventry Connecticut. Little more than twenty-one years old he was hanged, by order of General William Howe, as a spy, in the city of New York, on September 22, 1776.
Nathan Hale’s father was Richard Hale, who had came to Coventry, from Newbury, Mass, in 1746, and had married Elizabeth, the daughter of Joseph Strong. By her he had twelve children, of whom Nathan was the sixth. Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong Hale, were Puritans who believed in religious devotion, a strong work ethic, and education. The Hale family boasted many Harvard graduates and the Strongs included numerous ministers and teachers with solid ties to Yale College. As a prosperous farmer and deacon of the church, Richard Hale was a pillar of the Coventry community.
Nathan graduated from college with first honors at the age of eighteen, participating in the 1773 commencement debate. Like many young graduates, Hale took a position teaching school first in East Haddam and later in New London, CT. Nathan's classes consisted of about 30 young men who were taught Latin, writing, mathematics, and the classics. In 1774, he also conducted a summer school for young ladies from 5 to 7 AM. During this same year, like many patriotic young men in New London, Hale joined a local militia and was soon elected 1st sergeant by his comrades — the highest rank of any new recruit. The day after receiving Tallmadge's letter, Nathan Hale accepted a commission as 1st lieutenant in the 7th CT regiment under Colonel Charles Webb of Stamford. He resigned his teaching job with great regret and it was said that his students were most distressed at his leaving.
Nevertheless, Knowlton was under enormous pressure to find such a volunteer and by whatever inducement, persuaded Nathan to go behind enemy lines on Long Island. He may also have been sent into New York City then at the lower tip of Manhattan Island to make discoveries. Before leaving, Nathan asked his army buddy, Captain William Hull, for advice. Even though Hale was a great patriot for snaeking into steal British supplies, unfortunatel, he had been captured and died.
After Nathan Hale was hanged, he was left there for about 3 days. His body was then cut down and thrown in an unmarked grave. His remains have never been found. Years after his death, Nathan's family erected a cenotaph in the coventry cemetery to honor his memory.
Captain Nathan Hale
Captain Nathan Hale was born in Coventry Connecticut. Little more than twenty-one years old he was hanged, by order of General William Howe, as a spy, in the city of New York, on September 22, 1776.
Nathan Hale’s father was Richard Hale, who had came to Coventry, from Newbury, Mass, in 1746, and had married Elizabeth, the daughter of Joseph Strong. By her he had twelve children, of whom Nathan was the sixth. Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong Hale, were Puritans who believed in religious devotion, a strong work ethic, and education. The Hale family boasted many Harvard graduates and the Strongs included numerous ministers and teachers with solid ties to Yale College. As a prosperous farmer and deacon of the church, Richard Hale was a pillar of the Coventry community.
Nathan graduated from college with first honors at the age of eighteen, participating in the 1773 commencement debate. Like many young graduates, Hale took a position teaching school first in East Haddam and later in New London, CT. Nathan's classes consisted of about 30 young men who were taught Latin, writing, mathematics, and the classics. In 1774, he also conducted a summer school for young ladies from 5 to 7 AM. During this same year, like many patriotic young men in New London, Hale joined a local militia and was soon elected 1st sergeant by his comrades — the highest rank of any new recruit. The day after receiving Tallmadge's letter, Nathan Hale accepted a commission as 1st lieutenant in the 7th CT regiment under Colonel Charles Webb of Stamford. He resigned his teaching job with great regret and it was said that his students were most distressed at his leaving.
Nevertheless, Knowlton was under enormous pressure to find such a volunteer and by whatever inducement, persuaded Nathan to go behind enemy lines on Long Island. He may also have been sent into New York City then at the lower tip of Manhattan Island to make discoveries. Before leaving, Nathan asked his army buddy, Captain William Hull, for advice. Even though Hale was a great patriot for snaeking into steal British supplies, unfortunatel, he had been captured and died.
After Nathan Hale was hanged, he was left there for about 3 days. His body was then cut down and thrown in an unmarked grave. His remains have never been found. Years after his death, Nathan's family erected a cenotaph in the coventry cemetery to honor his memory.